PhD student to explore the molecular toxicity of transport emissions (f/m/x)

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Job description:

Helmholtz Zentrum München is a research center with the mission to discover personalized medical solutions for the prevention and therapy of environmentally triggered diseases and promote a healthier society in a rapidly changing world.

At our institute you will find a scientifically stimulating international environment. Together with renowned scientists and supported by an excellent infrastructure you will have the opportunity to make an important contribution for a healthier society.

The Helmholtz Centre Munich and the University of Rostock (Chair for Analytical Chemistry) jointly conduct research in the independent cooperation group Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA). One focus of our work is the investigation of ambient aerosols, their sources and the related health effects on humans. The well-equipped laboratories of CMA are located in Munich Sendling with very good connections via public transport.

As of January 2022 we are looking for a highly motivated

PhD student to explore the molecular toxicity of transport emissions (f/m/x)101089

Full time

Munich

PhD

Ultrafine particles fromTRansportation – Health Assessment ofSources (ULTHRAS) is an EU founded project dealing with the impact of nanoparticle and gaseous emissions from different transport modes on human health. Current legislative control of particulate matter (PM) based on ambient mass concentrations does not encompass source dependent variation in PM toxicity or the impact of high numbers of nanoparticles (ultrafine particles; UFPs) which contribute little to PM mass. UFPs may pose high risks due to their small size and high number/surface area concentrations and higher propensity to penetrate tissue barriers and reach the circulation and secondary target organs.

ULTRHAS will specifically address the impact of different transport modes, including atmospheric ageing processes, on the physicochemical characteristics of particulate and gaseous emissions; and how these processes and characteristics affects the biological responses leading to harmful effects in the lung and beyond by applying state-of-the-art emission measurement, exposure and air-liquid interface toxicity-testing approaches under highly controlled laboratory conditions.

ULTRHAS will provide enhanced understanding of health threats posed by nanoparticles from different transport modes; optimize a framework for toxicity and hazard assessment of aerosols; provide guidance for prioritization of mitigation measures for future legislation on air pollutants.

Your mission

• Establishment, execution and evaluation of in vitro cell exposures at air-liquid interface
• Generation and evaluation of cellular and molecular toxicology data
• Presentation of results at scientific conferences and symposia
• Preparation of publications

Your qualifications

• Master´s degree in biology, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry or related
• Experience in mammalian cell culture practices
• Interest in learning cellular and molecular (geno)-toxicological methods
• Very good knowledge of spoken and written English

Desirable qualifications

• Basic experience in nanoparticle toxicology issues
• Interest in combustion aerosol field and multidisciplinary experimental research
• Willingness to participate with cooperation partners in experimental campaigns abroad
• Ability to independently and initiatively carry out creative research with tenacity and of the highest quality standard

What we offer you

scientific training at Graduate School
work-life balance
flexible working hours
30 days annual leave
on-site health management service
career consultation
home office options
on-site nursery
company pension scheme discounted public transport ticket
Munich, with its numerous lakes and its vicinity to the Alps, is considered to be one of the cities with the best quality of life worldwide. With its first-class universities and world-leading research institutions it offers an intellectually stimulating environment.

This position also provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge and collect significant professional experience, both of which will help advance your scientific career.

Remuneration and social benefits are based on the collective wage agreement for public-sector employees at federal level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of granting an allowance amounting to 15% if the necessary conditions are fulfilled. The position is (initially) limited to three years, but under certain circumstances an extension can be arranged.

To promote diversity, we welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion and age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Interested?If you have further questions, simply contact Dr. Sebastiano Di Bucchianico +49 89 3187-49263, who will be happy to be of assistance. **Helmholtz Zentrum München
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
Comprehensive Molecular Analytics
Gmunder Straße 37

81379 München**

Award for excellent gender equality policy for women and men. Helmholtz Zentrum München is particularly committed to promoting professional equality between women and men. It therefore aims to increase the proportion of the underrepresented sex in the respective field. The Helmholtz Zentrum München is part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest scientific organization. Altogether 42.000 people currently work in its 19 scientific-technical and biological-medical research centers. The Association's annual budget amounts to around 5 billion Euros.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.